GO PLACIDLY amid the peace and the silence, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, be on good terms with all persons more than two metres away.
Speak your truth loudly and clearly enough to be heard by those socially distancing; and listen to others, even to the panic-buyer and the curtain-twitching grass, they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are media pundits. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater persons than yourself, NHS staff, carers, transport staff, binmen and other essential workers.
Enjoy your achievements while your plans are on hold. Keep interested in your own TV box sets, however humble; it is a real possession in the unchanging fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your online business affairs, for the world is full of hackers. But let this not blind you to what virtue signalling there is; many persons strive to trend on Twitter but everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love for, with the impending arrival of a generation of coronial babies, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the self-isolation of the years, gracefully surrendering the fundamental rights of free born Britons.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you from sudden fines for barbecuing in the park under the The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of cabin fever and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome Joe Wicks workout, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the government officials visiting their holiday homes. You have a right to be here provided it is only for exercise and you are absolutely not having fun.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the lockdown is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with Boris, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And however far away your substitutes-accepted shopping delivery is, in the deafening silence of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world, especially if you have a balcony or garden. Be cheerful. Strive to be virus-free.
BILL TODD